Soft Skills: Test Taking Skills Copy 2

Learning Resources Test Taking Skills

Test Taking Resources IconTest-taking is a skill that can improve with the right strategies and preparation. By learning and practicing evidence-based techniques, you can build confidence and perform more effectively on exams. Key approaches, such as managing your time, understanding different types of questions, and applying critical thinking, can help you become a more proficient and prepared test-taker.

The activities on this page are arranged so you can explore them in any order you like. If you use all of them, you’ll be able to:

  • Create a specific, effective plan to prepare for your tests.
  • Change negative thoughts into positive ones to help manage test anxiety.
  • Use test-taking strategies for different kinds of questions.
  • Look back at past exams so you can do better in the future.

Before, During, and After the Test

The sections below provide guidance on preparing effectively before your exam, applying smart strategies during the test, and reflecting on your completed exams to improve for the future. Adopting a growth mindset—viewing challenges as opportunities to learn—can help you build confidence as a test-taker. Approach each exam as an opportunity to develop your skills and make progress.

Effective Exam Preparation

A stack of books and glasses in front of a blackboard that reads 'Are you Ready?'

 

Careful planning can make a big difference in how you study and how confident you feel on test day. By breaking your test material into smaller sections, setting study goals, and scheduling review sessions, you’ll stay organized and reduce stress. Use this Test Prep Planner to guide each step so you can walk into your test feeling focused and ready.

After you finish creating your test prep plan, head over to the Study and Note Taking Skills page for active learning strategies that will help you master the exam material.

Study Prep

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